Specially programmed computing devices being continuously configured to allow unfamiliar individuals to have instantaneous real-time meetings to create a new marketplace for goods and/or services

ABSTRACT

In some embodiments, the present invention provides for a computer system which includes at least the following components: a plurality of computing devices associated with a plurality of users associated with a plurality of users; where each computing device of the plurality of computing devices is configured to: electronically receive software which, when being executed, cause such computing device to display a plurality of instances of a specifically programmed graphical user interface (GUI); where each instance of the GUI is configured to display a real-time updatable meeting information representative of a direct electronic proximity-based communication between at least two computing devices associated with at least two users who desire to meet at a particular location to engage in a transaction of at least one good, at least one service, or both, whose marketable value lasts for a period of 30 seconds to 60 minutes.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/368,219, filed Dec. 2, 2016, entitled “SPECIALLY PROGRAMMED COMPUTINGDEVICES BEING CONTINUOUSLY CONFIGURED TO ALLOW UNFAMILIAR INDIVIDUALS TOHAVE INSTANTANEOUS REAL-TIME MEETINGS TO CREATE A NEW MARKETPLACE FORGOODS AND/OR SERVICES”, which claims the priority of U.S. provisionalpatent application No. 62/262,015; filed Dec. 2, 2015; entitled“SPECIALLY PROGRAMMED COMPUTING DEVICES BEING CONTINUOUSLY CONFIGURED TOALLOW UNFAMILIAR INDIVIDUALS TO HAVE AN INSTANTANEOUS MEETING TO CREATEA NEW MARKETPLACE FOR GOODS AND/OR SERVICES HAVING A SHORT LIFE,” whichare incorporated herein by reference in their entirety for all purposes.

FIELD OF INVENTION

In some embodiments, the present invention is related to specificallyprogrammed computing devices (e.g., mobile computing devices) which arebeing continuously configured to allow unfamiliar individuals to haveinstantaneous real-time meetings to create a new marketplace for goodsand/or services.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Certain products and/or service can have a short live. For example,selling your seat for the second half of a football game or brieflywanting the front of the porta potty line at a crowded music festival.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In some embodiments, the present invention provides for a computersystem which includes at least the following components: a plurality ofcomputing devices associated with a plurality of users associated with aplurality of users; where the plurality of users is at least one hundredconcurrent users; where each computing device of the plurality ofcomputing devices is configured to: electronically receive softwarewhich, when being executed, cause such computing device to display aplurality of instances of a specifically programmed graphical userinterface (GUI); where each instance of the GUI is configured to displaya real-time updatable meeting information representative of a directelectronic proximity-based communication between at least two computingdevices associated with at least two users who desire to meet at aparticular location to engage in a transaction of at least one good, atleast one service, or both, whose marketable value lasts for a period of30 seconds to 60 minutes; where the meeting information includes: 1) afirst data representative of the particular location; 2) a second datarepresentative of at least one unique user authentication identifier,which has been assigned to: i) a particular computing device of the atleast two computing devices or ii) the at least two computing devices;and 3) a third data representative of a real-time adjustable visualindicator, allowing the least two users to visually identify each othercomputing devices, where the real-time adjustable visual indicator hasbeen uniquely assigned based, at least in part, on at least one othervisual indicator being assigned to at least one other computing deviceto be located in a visual vicinity of the particular location at whichthe at least two users to meet; where each computing device of the atleast two computing devices of the at least two users is furtherconfigured to: electronically receive an indication that the at leasttwo users who desire to meet to engage in the transaction of the atleast one good, the at least one service, or both, whose marketablevalue lasts for the period of 30 seconds to 60 minutes; electronicallyestablish the direct electronic proximity-based communication betweenthe at least two computing devices; dynamically determine, in real time,the first data, the second data, and the third data of the meetinginformation; and dynamically control, based on the meeting information,a visual appearance of the GUI to facilitate the at least two users tomeet at the particular location.

In some embodiments, the meeting information includes a fourth datarepresentative of a real-time sharable drawing pad which is shared amongthe at least two computing devices associated with the at least twousers. In some embodiments, the meeting information includes a fifthdata representative of an amount of desired compensation for the atleast one good, the at least one service, or both; and where eachcomputing device of the at least two computing devices of the at leasttwo users is further configured to dynamically adjust, in real time, thefifth data based on a time which takes for the at least two users tomeet.

In some embodiments, the meeting information is configured to maintainan anonymity of the at least two users from each other. In someembodiments, the real-time adjustable visual indicator is one of: color,text, image, and or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, a first computing device of the at least twocomputing devices of the at least two users is further configured todisplay a first real-time adjustable visual indicator including at leastone first color; where a second computing device of the at least twocomputing devices of the at least two users is further configured todisplay a second real-time adjustable visual indicator including atleast one second color; and where the at least one first color isdistinct from the at least one second color.

In some embodiments, the second computing device of the at least twocomputing devices of the at least two users is further configured todynamically determine the at least one second color based on a randomnumber based algorithm.

In some embodiments, each real-time adjustable visual indicator isdisplayed over a half of a screen of each computing device of the atleast two computing devices of the at least two users.

In some embodiments, each real-time adjustable visual indicator isdisplayed after the at least two computing devices have established thedirect electronic proximity-based communication. In some embodiments,each real-time adjustable visual indicator is displayed by undimming arespective screen of a respective computing device.

In some embodiments, the direct electronic proximity-based communicationincludes a transmission of the at least one unique user authenticationidentifier. In some embodiments, the direct electronic proximity-basedcommunication includes at least one of: direct Bluetooth transmissionsand direct transmissions at an inaudible audio frequency.

In some embodiments, the first data includes a textual direction, avisual direction, or both, from the current location of the particularuser to the particular location at which the at least two users to meet.In some embodiments, the first data includes a distance from a currentlocation of a particular user to the particular location at which the atleast two users to meet.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides for acomputer-implemented method which includes at least the following stepsof: electronically receiving, by each computing device of a plurality ofcomputing devices associated with a plurality of users, software which,when being executed, cause such computing device to display a pluralityof instances of a specifically programmed graphical user interface(GUI); where the plurality of users is at least one hundred concurrentusers; where each instance of the GUI is configured to display areal-time updatable meeting information representative of a directelectronic proximity-based communication between at least two computingdevices associated with at least two users who desire to meet at aparticular location to engage in a transaction of at least one good, atleast one service, or both, whose marketable value lasts for a period of30 seconds to 60 minutes; where the meeting information includes: 1) afirst data representative of the particular location; 2) a second datarepresentative of at least one unique user authentication identifier,which has been assigned to: i) a particular computing device of the atleast two computing devices or ii) the at least two computing devices;and 3) a third data representative of a real-time adjustable visualindicator, allowing the least two users to visually identify each othercomputing devices, where the real-time adjustable visual indicator hasbeen uniquely assigned based, at least in part, on at least one othervisual indicator being assigned to at least one other computing deviceto be located in a visual vicinity of the particular location at whichthe at least two users to meet; electronically receiving, by each of theat least two computing devices of the at least two users, an indicationthat the at least two users who desire to meet to engage in thetransaction of the at least one good, the at least one service, or both,whose marketable value lasts for the period of 30 seconds to 60 minutes;electronically establishing, by each of the at least two computingdevices of the at least two users, the direct electronic proximity-basedcommunication between the at least two computing devices; dynamicallydetermining, in real time, by each of the at least two computing devicesof the at least two users, the first data, the second data, and thethird data of the meeting information; and dynamically controlling, byeach of the at least two computing devices of the at least two users,based on the meeting information, a visual appearance of the GUI tofacilitate the at least two users to meet at the particular location.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention can be further explained with reference to theattached drawings, wherein like structures are referred to by likenumerals throughout the several views. The drawings shown are notnecessarily to scale, with emphasis instead generally being placed uponillustrating the principles of the present invention. Therefore,specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not tobe interpreted as limiting, but merely as a representative basis forteaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the presentinvention.

FIGS. 1-7 illustrate various specialized graphical user interfaces(GUIs) programmed to function in accordance with some principles of someembodiments of the present invention.

FIGS. 8-11 illustrate certain computer architectures in accordance withsome principles of some embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Among those benefits and improvements that have been disclosed, otherobjects and advantages of this invention can become apparent from thefollowing description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingfigures. Detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosedherein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodimentsare merely illustrative of the invention that may be embodied in variousforms. In addition, each of the examples given in connection with thevarious embodiments of the present invention is intended to beillustrative, and not restrictive.

Throughout the specification, the following terms take the meaningsexplicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictatesotherwise. The phrases “in one embodiment” and “in some embodiments” asused herein do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment(s), thoughit may. Furthermore, the phrases “in another embodiment” and “in someother embodiments” as used herein do not necessarily refer to adifferent embodiment, although it may. Thus, as described below, variousembodiments of the invention may be readily combined, without departingfrom the scope or spirit of the invention.

In addition, as used herein, the term “or” is an inclusive “or”operator, and is equivalent to the term “and/or,” unless the contextclearly dictates otherwise. The term “based on” is not exclusive andallows for being based on additional factors not described, unless thecontext clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, throughout thespecification, the meaning of “a,” “an,” and “the” include pluralreferences. The meaning of “in” includes “in” and “on.”

It is understood that at least one aspect/functionality of variousembodiments described herein can be performed in real-time and/ordynamically. As used herein, the term “real-time” is directed to anevent/action that can occur instantaneously or almost instantaneously intime when another event/action has occurred. In some embodiments, theterms “instantaneous,” “instantaneously,” “instantly,” and “in realtime” refer to a condition where a time difference between a first timewhen a search request is transmitted and a second time when a responseto the request is received is no more than 1 second. In someembodiments, the time difference between the request and the response isbetween less than 1 second and several seconds (e.g., 5-10 seconds).

As used herein, the term “dynamic(ly)” means that events and/or actionscan be triggered and/or occur without any human intervention. In someembodiments, events and/or actions in accordance with the presentinvention can be in real-time and/or based on a predeterminedperiodicity of at least one of: nanosecond, several nanoseconds,millisecond, several milliseconds, second, several seconds, minute,several minutes, hourly, etc.

In some embodiments, the inventive electronic systems includeselectronic mobile devices (e.g., smartphones, etc.) of users andserver(s) in the distributed network environment, communicating over asuitable data communication network (e.g., the Internet, etc.) andutilizing at least one suitable data communication protocol (e.g.,IPX/SPX, X.25, AX.25, AppleTalk™, TCP/IP (e.g., HTTP), etc.). In someembodiments, a plurality of users can be, but is not limited to, atleast 100 (e.g., but not limited to, 100-999), at least 1,000 (e.g., butnot limited to, 1,000-9,999), at least 10,000 (e.g., but not limited to,10,000-99,999), at least 100,000 (e.g., but not limited to,100,000-999,999), at least 1,000,000 (e.g., but not limited to,1,000,000-9,999,999), at least 10,000,000 (e.g., but not limited to,10,000,000-99,999,999), at least 100,000,000 (e.g., but not limited to,100,000,000-999,999,999), at least 1,000,000,000 (e.g., but not limitedto, 1,000,000,000-10,000,000,000).

In some embodiments, exemplary inventive specifically programmedcomputing devices, exemplary inventive computer-programmed systems, andexemplary inventive computer-processing methods of the present inventionallow to have a meeting and/or to consummate a transaction regarding agood and/or service having a short life by (1) at least two strangerswho are unfamiliar with each other and/or (2) at least two individualswho cannot visually identify each other from a distance due to visualdifficulties (e.g., darkness, physical obstacles (e.g., physicalstructures impeding the view, crowd, etc.), etc.)). In some embodiments,the term “short life” as used here is based on a type of a good/serviceand calculated based on customary life expectancy for suchproduct/service. For example, the short life can be a second to 60minutes. In another example, the short life can be 10 seconds to 60minutes. In another example, the short life can be 30 seconds to 60minutes. In another example, the short life can be 1 minute to 60minutes. In another example, the short life can be 10 minute to 60minutes. In another example, the short life can be 10 minute to 30minutes. In another example, the short life can be 30 minute to 60minutes.

For example, an illustrative example of a good having the short life(e.g., a second to 60 minutes) is to offer one's seat at a stadium forthe second half of a football game when a person desires to leave afterthe first half. Another example, a person desires the front of the portapotty line at a crowded event.

In some embodiments, exemplary inventive specifically programmedcomputing devices, exemplary inventive computer-programmed systems, andexemplary inventive computer-processing methods of the present inventionare configured to take into account an exemplary LifeTime Value (LTV)formula per computing device (e.g., mobile device). For example, byminimizing seconds and/or minutes that would otherwise take to completea meet, the present invention increase the amount of transactions perhour for sellers which increase the average LTV. In another example, thepresent invention is configured to dynamically adjust (up or down) anamount of desired compensation (i.e., a transaction value) based on atime which takes to complete the meet. For instance, the presentinvention is configured to allow a seller to obtain a maximumcompensation for a quicker meet. In turn, the present invention isconfigured to allow a buyer to realize a maximum time value.

In some embodiments, exemplary inventive specifically programmedcomputing devices, exemplary inventive computer-programmed systems, andexemplary inventive computer-processing methods of the present inventionallow to mitigate the uncertainty of transacting with a stranger. Insome embodiments, exemplary inventive specifically programmed computingdevices, exemplary inventive computer-programmed systems, and exemplaryinventive computer-processing methods of the present invention allow toauthenticate the presence and identity of the other smart device inperson using a direct phone-to-phone communication, minimizing anopportunity for defrauding the identity of either party. For example,using a phone to phone authentication mechanism to validate the identityof either party. In some embodiments, exemplary inventive specificallyprogrammed computing devices, exemplary inventive computer-programmedsystems, and exemplary inventive computer-processing methods of thepresent invention allow to verify smart devices in places without mobilenetworks, limited mobile networks (e.g., concrete buildings, caves,Montana) and/or poor data service (e.g., a packed Austin City Limits).

In some embodiments, exemplary inventive specifically programmedcomputing devices, exemplary inventive computer-programmed systems, andexemplary inventive computer-processing methods of the present inventionallow to protect the anonymity (i.e., the real identity) of meetingparties but still have a transaction by creating cognitive ease for bothparties to continue the transaction. For example the exemplary inventivespecifically programmed computing devices, the exemplary inventivecomputer-programmed systems, and the exemplary inventivecomputer-processing methods of the present invention allow both sides tobe presented with the expected identity prior to the computing devices(e.g., Android-run smartphones and tablets, iPad™, iWatch™).

Illustrative Mechanism for Computing Device Identifications

In some embodiments, the exemplary inventive specifically programmedcomputing devices, the exemplary inventive computer-programmed systems,and the exemplary inventive computer-processing methods of the presentinvention utilize a scheme of at least two colors (e.g., RGB colors) tovisually signal/identify the inventive computing devices (e.g.,smartphones). For example, a first color is used as the visual aid onboth smartphones by, for example but not limiting to, fill the entirebackground of a screen with this first color to make the phone easilyidentifiable even from a particular distance such as, for example, 1-100meters (e.g., 50 meters). For example, a second color, being acontrasting color with respect to the first color is being used tominimize/prevent a potential fraud. In some embodiments, the exemplaryinventive specifically programmed computing devices, the exemplaryinventive computer-programmed systems, and the exemplary inventivecomputer-processing methods of the present invention utilize analgorithm (e.g., a random number based algorithm) to select/determinethe second color. For example, the second color is used to minimize ascenario when an unauthorized computing device is being used to mimicthe signal when another device of a non-meet participant and/or thenon-meet participant himself or herself identifies the first color fromafar and, then, uses the first color to intercept the meet. For example,in some embodiments, the second color is only revealed after theexemplary inventive specifically programmed computing devices and/or theexemplary inventive computer-programmed systems detect the other devicevia a proximity based confirmation (e.g., Bluetooth™ and/or inaudibleaudio).

For example, in a scenario of the dark surroundings (e.g., a pitchblack, shoulder-to-shoulder concert at a nightclub), the exemplaryinventive specifically programmed computing devices and the exemplaryinventive computer-programmed systems of the present invention canautomatically undim the inventive computing devices (devices which havebeen specifically programmed with a specialized software configured toinstruct in accordance with the present invention detailed herein) tomake the signals more visible. The second case is created by theaccuracy limitations of current generation location based servicestechnologies (GPS Polling, Wi-Fi Shadowing, Bluetooth Sniffing). Forexample, it is substantially faster for a delivery driver racing down7th Avenue to spot a person waving a red (yellow or whatever color wetold him to look for) phone than the two people using the coordinatesprovided by the other's smart device (which can be the wrong block orwrong side of the street). In some embodiments, the exemplary inventivespecifically programmed computing devices, the exemplary inventivecomputer-programmed systems, and the exemplary inventivecomputer-processing methods of the present invention utilize a locationbased algorithm to select distinct primary colors to minimize the chanceof two meetings in the same area all looking for the same color.

In some embodiments, the exemplary inventive specifically programmedcomputing devices, the exemplary inventive computer-programmed systems,and the exemplary inventive computer-processing methods of the presentinvention utilize at least one unique secret key to authenticate thepresence of the other smart device without using the Internet. Forexample, in some embodiments, the key can be random and unique to eachtransaction. In some embodiments, the exemplary inventive specificallyprogrammed computing devices, the exemplary inventivecomputer-programmed systems, and the exemplary inventivecomputer-processing methods of the present invention utilize the staticsymmetric key and a counter to implement an HMAC-based One Time Password(HOTP) algorithm over both Bluetooth™ and/or, based on availability,inaudible audio when the phones are sufficiently in close proximity witheach other, as, for example, being described in Request for Comments:6287 (RFC6287, Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF), 2011,incorporated by reference herein for all related purposes. For example,the exemplary inventive specifically programmed computing devices, theexemplary inventive computer-programmed systems, and the exemplaryinventive computer-processing methods of the present invention can causethe key to be encoded and transmitted within in the advertising packetof the Bluetooth™ signal.

In some embodiments, the exemplary inventive specifically programmedcomputing devices, the exemplary inventive computer-programmed systems,and the exemplary inventive computer-processing methods of the presentinvention utilize a shared secret identifier which can be in the form ofat least one of: a keyword, a phrase and/or an image. For example, bothphones get the same secret identifier which is not revealed until thesmartphones have authenticated the proximity of the other's device. Forinstance, the presence of the anticipated keyword on the other party'sphone produces confidence and cognitive ease. For example, in someembodiments, the exemplary inventive specifically programmed computingdevices, the exemplary inventive computer-programmed systems, and theexemplary inventive computer-processing methods of the present inventionutilize words, images and/or phrases that are easy to identify like“banana” or “zebra” to minimize verification time.

In some embodiments, the exemplary inventive specifically programmedcomputing devices, the exemplary inventive computer-programmed systems,and the exemplary inventive computer-processing methods of the presentinvention are configured to define/select at least one location for ameeting place.

In some embodiments, the exemplary inventive computer-programmedsystems, and the exemplary inventive computer-processing methods of thepresent invention are configured to manage at least the following threeexemplary types of meeting protocols:

-   -   1) a buyer traveling to a stationary seller;    -   2) a seller traveling to a stationary buyer; or    -   3) both the buyer and the seller are traveling to a mutual        location.

In some embodiments, the exemplary inventive specifically programmedcomputing devices, the exemplary inventive computer-programmed systems,and the exemplary inventive computer-processing methods of the presentinvention can utilize a three-way chat module to communicateinstructions between the buyer's computing device, the seller'scomputing device, and at least one server mediating the meeting process.In some embodiments, the exemplary inventive specifically programmedcomputing devices, the exemplary inventive computer-programmed systems,and the exemplary inventive computer-processing methods of the presentinvention allow the seller to choose if the buyer needs to come to himor he will deliver. In some embodiments, the exemplary inventivecomputer-programmed systems, and the exemplary inventivecomputer-processing methods of the present invention are configured todefine/initiate each meeting with at least one stationary party (e.g., astationary buyer, a stationary seller) to assist parties determine amutually agreed upon location. In some embodiments, the exemplaryinventive computer-programmed systems and the exemplary inventivecomputer-processing methods of the present invention are configured todetermine/select a mutual location to which both parties need to travel.For example, there can be a list of locations (e.g., predetermined safelocations (e.g., police, fire departments, other public places, etc.)and directing both parties to the closest one for at least one party orboth parties.

Exemplary Initiation of the Meeting

In some embodiments, an exemplary inventive computer-programmed systemof the present invention initiates the meeting between the transactingparties, by having at least one server being programmed to communicate,of a network (e.g., the Internet) the colors, key(s), and sharedsecret(s) to the exemplary inventive programmed computing devices of theparties. For example, both devices (e.g., smartphones) transmit backtheir current locations and continually transmit in locations via, forexample, background services (e.g., GPS-based, Bluetooth-based, etc.) onthe devices. In some embodiments, the exemplary inventive specificallyprogrammed computing devices, the exemplary inventivecomputer-programmed system, and the exemplary inventivecomputer-processing methods of the present invention are programmed totransmit and process the location identifying data in accordance with,but not limited to:

1) Location and Maps Programming Guide for iOS™ operating system, byApple Inc. (Cupertino, Calif.), incorporated herein in the entirety forsuch purpose; and

2) Making Your App Location-Aware for Android™ operating system, byGoogle Inc. (Mountain View, Calif.), incorporated herein in the entiretyfor such purpose.

For example, in the response message from the API, the exemplaryinventive computer-programmed system of the present inventioncontinuously includes the most recent location of a particular computingdevice so the accurate current distance can be continuously calculatedduring the entire meet. In some embodiments, the exemplary inventivecomputer-programmed system of the present invention is programmed toutilize the current distance and velocity to vary the location updateinterval to maximize battery life on both devices. For example, thefurther the smartphones are apart from each other the less frequentlythe phones need to update their current locations. As they get closertheir update interval needs to increase until the proximity is confirmedvia, for example, Bluetooth™ and/or inaudible audio at which point thelocation services can be turned off automatically. In some embodiments,the exemplary inventive computer-programmed system of the presentinvention can be programmed to utilize the following rules to determinethe length of the location updating time interval, but not being limitedto:

-   -   i) Less than 100 m-1 second intervals;    -   ii) Less than 500 m-3 second intervals;    -   iii) Less than 1 km-6 second intervals;    -   iv) Less than 5 km-30 second intervals;    -   v) Less than 10 km-60 second intervals;    -   vi) Less than 50 km-180 second intervals;    -   vii) Less than 100 km-300 second intervals; and    -   viii) Greater than 100 km-600 second intervals.

Exemplary Illustrative Programming Utilized to Calculate the MeetingDistance

In some embodiments, the exemplary inventive computer-programmed systemof the present invention can be programmed (Javascript) to calculate themeeting distance by utilizing the “Haversine” formula as follows:

function getDistanceFromLatLonInKm(lat1,lon1,lat2,lon2) { var R = 6371;// Radius of the earth in km var dLat = deg2rad(lat2−lat1); // deg2radbelow var dLon = deg2rad(lon2−lon1); var a = Math.sin(dLat/2) *Math.sin(dLat/2) + Math.cos(deg2rad(lat1)) * Math.cos(deg2rad(lat2)) *Math.sin(dLon/2) * Math.sin(dLon/2) ; var c = 2 *Math.atan2(Math.sqrt(a), Math.sqrt(1−a)); var d = R * c; // Distance inkm var e = d * 1000; // Distance in meters return e; } functiondeg2rad(deg) { return deg * (Math.PI/180) }

In some embodiments, the exemplary inventive computer-programmed systemof the present invention can be further programmed to transmit themeeting instructions to the exemplary inventive specifically programmedcomputing devices (e.g., smartphones) of both parties. For example,these instructions are determined, by the exemplary inventivecomputer-programmed system of the present invention, based on thedistance between the phones, as, for example but not limited to,follows:

var NEEDS_TRANSPORTATION_DIRECTIONS_THRESHOLD = 1000; //in meters varVISUALLY_IDENTIFIABLE_THRESHOLD = 40; //in metersif(canVerifyOthersBluetooth( )) { PlayHotterAndColder( );ShowAuthentication( ); } var distance = getCurrentDistance( );if(distance < VISUALLY_IDENTIFIABLE_THRESHOLD) { PromptToWaveSignal( );} else if(distance > NEEDS_TRANSPORTATION_DIRECTIONS_THRESHOLD) {SendInstructionsAndDrivingDirections( ); } elseSendInstructionsAndWalkingDirections( ); }

Exemplary Illustrative Implementation Based on “Warmer, Warmer, Red Hot”Principle

In some scenarios, when the visual signaling is impeded and/ordisruptive (e.g., the visual signal is not readily visible due toambient light challenges of full sun on the screen), the exemplaryinventive computer-programmed system of the present invention can befurther programmed to instruct the exemplary inventive specificallyprogrammed computing devices of the parties (e.g., smartphones) toutilize, but not limited to, the decibel level of the Bluetooth™ signalof the other party's phone to play the “hotter/colder” handshake, basedon the following exemplary logic, but not limited to:

var previousDB =getCurrentDecibelReadingOfOtherPhoneUsingTheAdvertisingPacket( ); while(true) { var currentDB =getCurrentDecibelReadingOfOtherPhoneUsingTheAdvertisingPacket( );if(currentDB > previousDB) { display Warmer( ); } else if(currentDB <previousDB) { displayColder( ); } previousDB = currentDB; }

In some embodiments, the exemplary inventive specifically programmedcomputing devices, the exemplary inventive computer-programmed systems,and the exemplary inventive computer-processing methods of the presentinvention can be configured to implement this illustrative example ofthe “hotter/colder” handshake via advertising packet(s) beingtransmitted and received in:

-   -   1) the iOS-based environment, as, for example, detailed in Core        Bluetooth Programming Guide, by Apple Inc. (Cupertino, Calif.),        incorporated herein in the entirety for such purpose; and    -   2) in the Android-based environment, as, for example, detailed        in AdvertiseData API by Google Inc. (Mountain View, Calif.),        incorporated herein in the entirety for such purpose.

In some embodiments, a range of the Hotter/Colder game can be extendedusing a hidden WI-FI signal that uses the unique secret key as a SSID.This method is obscure but not secure and aids in navigating the twoindividuals toward each other.

Exemplary Illustrative Implementations of Authentication Functionality

In some embodiments, the exemplary inventive computer-programmed systemof the present invention can be further programmed to confirm theidentity of the other party using at least one identifier that can beprovided and verified during the in-person meeting. For example, theexemplary inventive computer-programmed system of the present inventioncan utilize the unique secret key functionality and a keyed-hash messageauthentication code (HMAC)-based one-time password (HOTP) algorithmembed in a current encrypted message in the Bluetooth™ advertisingpacket of a first exemplary inventive specifically programmed computingdevice (e.g., smartphone) of a first meeting party. The other exemplaryinventive specifically programmed computing device (e.g., smartphone) ofa second meeting party is seeking for the mac address and the encryptedmessage to match its expected values. If either value doesn't have thematch, the exemplary inventive computer-programmed system of the presentinvention generates the Invalid Identity alert. For example, theexemplary inventive computer-programmed system of the present inventioncan utilize programming routines detailed in, but not limited to, CoreBluetooth Programming Guide by Apple Inc. (Cupertino, Calif.),incorporated herein in the entirety for such purpose, to transmit andreceive this advertising packet on the iOS™ operating system.

For example, the exemplary inventive computer-programmed system of thepresent invention can also utilize programming routines detailed in, butnot limited to, Advertise data packet container for Bluetooth LEadvertising by Google Inc. (Mountain View, Calif.), incorporated hereinin the entirety for such purpose, to transmit and receive thisadvertising packet on the Android™ operating system.

In some embodiments, when the smartphones may have Bluetooth™functionality disabled, the exemplary inventive computer-programmedsystem of the present invention can be further programmed to utilizemicrophones and speakers of the exemplary inventive specificallyprogrammed computing devices (e.g., smartphones) of both meeting partiesto complete the authentication over the inaudible audio. In someembodiments, even when the smartphones may have Bluetooth™ functionalityenabled, the exemplary inventive computer-programmed system of thepresent invention can be further programmed to utilize the inaudibleaudio mechanism as the main or additional verification step. Forexample, the exemplary inventive computer-programmed system and theexemplary inventive specifically programmed computing devices (e.g.,smartphones) of the present invention can utilize Chirp™ APIimplementation (Chirp, London, UK), incorporated herein in the entiretyfor such purpose, to perform the inaudible audio verification step.

In some embodiments, the exemplary inventive specifically programmedcomputing devices, the exemplary inventive computer-programmed systems,and the exemplary inventive computer-processing methods of the presentinvention utilize frequencies higher than 18 kHz for transmitting databetween computing devices (e.g., smartphones) so that humans can'tdetect it, and, because the audio transmission is effective at arelatively short range (e.g., 1 meter-100 meter), it is difficult toemulate, and thus adding a level of complexity in defrauding themeeting.

In some embodiments, the exemplary inventive specifically programmedcomputing devices, the exemplary inventive computer-programmed systems,and the exemplary inventive computer-processing methods of the presentinvention utilize the authentication protocol that includes a live,shared multi-gesture control, such as a “shared doodle pad.” Forexample, all parties of the meetup share the same virtual doodle pad sothat any one party can draw anything real time on their own computingdevice (e.g., smartphone, tablet) and personally confirm that the othercomputing device(s) (e.g., smartphone(s), tablet(s)) has/have the samegesture/drawing.

Exemplary Illustrative Implementations of Meeting MediationFunctionality

In some embodiments, the exemplary inventive specifically programmedcomputing devices, the exemplary inventive computer-programmed systems,and the exemplary inventive computer-processing methods of the presentinvention utilize the secondary key color and the shared secret image toestablish the communication for the meeting after the computing devices(e.g., smartphones) have been authenticated electronically, we need tocommunicate it to the users.

Illustrative Scenarios in Accordance with Present Inventions

FIGS. 1-3 show snapshots of various interactive states of a usergraphical interface (GUI) shown at the inventive computing device (e.g.,a smartphone running an app supported by the exemplary inventivecomputer-programmed system of the present invention) which has beenspecifically programmed to operate in accordance with the principles ofthe present invention detailed herein. FIG. 1 shows the specialized GUIillustrating: the secret key 301 which assist in authentication process;an indicator 302, allowing a user to turn on/off external monitoring ofa meeting, including automating recording and/or the analysis of suchrecording to identify potential safety danger condition(s); and anindicator 303, identifying what type of the external monitoring is inprogress.

FIG. 2 shows the specialized GUI, illustrating an indicator 401,identifying a relative location position of a first smartphone carriedby a first party with respect to (1) a meeting location, (2) a currentlocation of a second smartphone carried by a second party; or (3) both.

FIG. 3 shows another specialized GUI, illustrating an indicator 501,identifying a relative location position of a first smartphone carriedby a first party with respect to (1) a meeting location, (2) a currentlocation of a second smartphone carried by a second party; or (3) both.

FIG. 4 shows another specialized GUI, illustrating an unique sign for aparticular meet within a particular geographic locale.

FIG. 5 shows another specialized GUI, illustrating details for aparticular meet, such as, an address of the a meeting place, a distanceto the meeting place, an arrival time, a time to reach the meetingplace, and a map of a particular geographical locale related to themeeting place with a visual direction pointer.

FIG. 6 shows another specialized GUI, illustrating the use of the shareddoodle pad, in addition to other authentication and security indicatorsgenerated and displayed in accordance with principles of the presentinvention detailed herein. For example, the GUI of FIG. 6 displays anindicator that the computing device is searching for a matching deviceof the other party to the meeting.

FIG. 7 shows another specialized GUI, illustrating the use of the shareddoodle pad, in addition to other authentication and security indicatorswhich are generated and displayed in accordance with principles of thepresent invention detailed herein after.

Exemplary Scenario

In this example a mom (Sarah) is enjoying date night with her husbandand remembers that she needs cash to pay the babysitter. Sarah “makes awish” for $100 cash from the table in the restaurant. When a bid (supplybid or demand bid) is accepted, the exemplary inventivecomputer-programmed system of the present invention in real-time debitthe account of the buyer electronically and withhold payment to theseller until the buyer has confirmed delivery. The exemplary inventivecomputer-programmed system of the present invention transfers funds tothe seller.

Case 1: Fulfilled from Another Patron

Johnny, is notified of the need since he has subscribed to requestnotifications at this location. Sarah accepts his bid at $102. Sinceboth phones are within the visual threshold, the exemplary inventivecomputer-programmed system of the present invention prompts smartphonesof both parties instruct parties to wave their signal since the otherperson is very close. They verify almost instantly. Johnny hands Sarah$100.

Case 2: Fulfilled by Uber Driver

Johnny is an Uber™ driver and monitors the need around him on utilizingan app supported by the exemplary inventive computer-programmed systemof the present invention and had his bid of $104 accepted. He's 6.4miles away so he gets driving directions and when close, the exemplaryinventive computer-programmed system of the present invention promptsSarah, through her smartphone (running the app supported by theexemplary inventive computer-programmed system of the present invention)to wave her signal. When he pulls up to the curb her phone authenticatesand he hands her $100.

Case 3: Fulfilled by the Babysitter

The babysitter Kemper subscribed to the wishes in that house's market soshe is notified of the wish. Kemper bids it at $100 and marks it forpickup because she'll just give it to Sarah when Sarah gets home. Sarahaccepts the bid and gets directions to her own home. When they are closethe phones authenticate and Kemper hands Sarah $100. (Sadly, Sarah handsmost of it back for babysitting services)

Sample Initial Instructions

To the Stationary Party:

“Yay! Stay put:) We privately shared your location with Johnny and he'sheaded your way with $100 cash. Please wave him down with the HopSignalwhen prompted.”

To the Traveling Party:

“We're holding $102 for you. Sarah is waiting to confirm your deliveryat the following location. She will be presenting this signal: [visualsignal description]” Then, follow it with a thumbnail of the SafeMeetSignal based on the primary RGB color from the exemplary inventivecomputer-programmed system of the present invention. Then, for example,present the thumbnail of the map with click thru to Google Maps™directions.

Illustrative Operating Environments

FIG. 8 illustrates one embodiment of an environment in which theexemplary inventive computer-programmed system of the present inventionmay operate. However, not all of these components may be required topractice the invention, and variations in the arrangement and type ofthe components may be made without departing from the spirit or scope ofthe invention. In some embodiments, the inventive system and method mayinclude a large number of members and/or concurrent transactions (e.g.,at least 10; at least 100; at least 1,000; at least, 10,000; at least1,000,000; etc.). In other embodiments, the inventive system and methodare based on a scalable computer and network architecture thatincorporates varies strategies for assessing the data, caching,searching, and database connection pooling. An example of the scalablearchitecture is an architecture that is capable of operating multipleservers.

In embodiments, users of the exemplary inventive computer-programmedsystem of the present invention 102-104 can utilize virtually anycomputing device (e.g., smartphone) which is specifically programmed toreceiving and sending messages over a network, such as network 105, toand from servers 106 and 107, each other, and the like. In embodiments,the set of such devices includes devices that typically connect using awired communications medium such as personal computers, multiprocessorsystems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics,network PCs, and the like. In some embodiments, the set of such devicesalso includes devices that typically connect using a wirelesscommunications medium such as cell phones, smart phones, pagers, walkietalkies, radio frequency (RF) devices, infrared (IR) devices, CBs,integrated devices combining one or more of the preceding devices, orvirtually any mobile device, and the like. Similarly, in someembodiments, client devices 102-104 are any device that is capable ofconnecting using a wired or wireless communication medium such as a PDA,POCKET PC, wearable computer, and any other device that is equipped tocommunicate over a wired and/or wireless communication medium.

In embodiments, each member device within member devices 102-104 mayinclude a browser application that is configured to receive and to sendweb pages, and the like. In embodiments, the browser application may beconfigured to receive and display graphics, text, multimedia, and thelike, employing virtually any web based language, including, but notlimited to Standard Generalized Markup Language (SMGL), such asHyperText Markup Language (HTML), a wireless application protocol (WAP),a Handheld Device Markup Language (HDML), such as Wireless MarkupLanguage (WML), WMLScript, XML, JavaScript, and the like. Inembodiments, programming may include either Java, .Net, QT, C, C++ orother suitable programming language.

In embodiments, users' devices 102-104 may be further configured toreceive a message from another computing device employing anothermechanism, including, but not limited to email, Short Message Service(SMS), Multimedia Message Service (MMS), instant messaging (IM),internet relay chat (IRC), mIRC, Jabber, and the like or a Proprietaryprotocol.

In embodiments, the network 105 may be configured to couple onecomputing device to another computing device to enable them tocommunicate. In some embodiments, the network 105 may be enabled toemploy any form of computer readable media for communicating informationfrom one electronic device to another. Also, in some embodiments, thenetwork 105 may include a wireless interface, and/or a wired interface,such as the Internet, in addition to local area networks (LANs), widearea networks (WANs), direct connections, such as through a universalserial bus (USB) port, other forms of computer-readable media, or anycombination thereof. In some embodiments, on an interconnected set ofLANs, including those based on differing architectures and protocols, arouter may act as a link between LANs, enabling messages to be sent fromone to another.

Also, in some embodiments, communication links within LANs typicallyinclude twisted wire pair or coaxial cable, while communication linksbetween networks may utilize analog telephone lines, full or fractionaldedicated digital lines including T1, T2, T3, and T4, IntegratedServices Digital Networks (ISDNs), Digital Subscriber Lines (DSLs),wireless links including satellite links, or other communications linksknown to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, in some embodiments,remote computers and other related electronic devices could be remotelyconnected to either LANs or WANs via a modem and temporary telephonelink. In essence, in some embodiments, the network 105 includes anycommunication method by which information may travel between clientdevices 102-104, and servers 106 and 107.

FIG. 9 shows another exemplary embodiment of the computer and networkarchitecture that can support the exemplary inventive specificallyprogrammed computing devices, the exemplary inventivecomputer-programmed systems, and the exemplary inventivecomputer-processing methods of the present invention. In someembodiments, the user devices 202 a, 202 b thru 202 n shown each atleast includes a computer-readable medium, such as a random accessmemory (RAM) 208 coupled to a processor 210 or FLASH memory. In someembodiments, the processor 210 may execute computer-executable programinstructions stored in memory 208. In some embodiments, such processorscomprise a microprocessor, an ASIC, and state machines. In someembodiments, such processors comprise, or may be in communication with,media, for example computer-readable media, which stores instructionsthat, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform thesteps described herein.

In some embodiments, types of computer-readable media may include, butare not limited to, an electronic, optical, magnetic, or other storageor transmission device capable of providing a processor, such as theprocessor 210 of client 202 a, with computer-readable instructions. Insome embodiments, other examples of suitable media may include, but arenot limited to, a floppy disk, CD-ROM, DVD, magnetic disk, memory chip,ROM, RAM, an ASIC, a configured processor, all optical media, allmagnetic tape or other magnetic media, or any other medium from which acomputer processor can read instructions. Also, various other forms ofcomputer-readable media may transmit or carry instructions to acomputer, including a router, private or public network, or othertransmission device or channel, both wired and wireless. In someembodiments, the instructions may comprise code from anycomputer-programming language, including, for example, C, C++, VisualBasic, Java, Python, Perl, and JavaScript.

In some embodiments, member devices 202 a-n may also comprise a numberof external or internal devices such as a mouse, a CD-ROM, DVD, akeyboard, a display, or other input or output devices. Examples ofclient devices 202 a-n may be personal computers, digital assistants,personal digital assistants, cellular phones, mobile phones, smartphones, pagers, digital tablets, laptop computers, Internet appliances,and other processor-based devices. In general, a client device 202 a maybe any type of processor-based platform that is connected to a network206 and that interacts with one or more application programs. Clientdevices 202 a-n may operate on any operating system capable ofsupporting a browser or browser-enabled application, such as Microsoft™,Windows™, or Linux. In some embodiments, the client devices 202 a-nshown may include, for example, personal computers executing a browserapplication program such as Microsoft Corporation's Internet Explorer™,Apple Computer, Inc.'s Safari™, Mozilla Firefox, and Opera. Through theclient devices 202 a-n, users, 212 a-n communicate over the network 206with each other and with other systems and devices coupled to thenetwork 206. As shown in FIG. 9, server devices 204 and 213 may be alsocoupled to the network 206. In an embodiment of the present invention,one or more clients can be a mobile client.

In some embodiments, the term “mobile electronic device” may refer toany portable electronic device that may or may not be enabled withlocation tracking functionality. For example, a mobile electronic devicecan include, but is not limited to, a mobile phone, Personal DigitalAssistant (PDA), Blackberry™, Pager, Smartphone, or any other reasonablemobile electronic device. For ease, at times the above variations arenot listed or are only partially listed, this is in no way meant to be alimitation.

In some embodiments, the terms “proximity detection,” “locating,”“location data,” “location information,” and “location tracking” as usedherein may refer to any form of location tracking technology or locatingmethod that can be used to provide a location of a mobile electronicdevice, such as, but not limited to, at least one of locationinformation manually input by a user, such as, but not limited toentering the city, town, municipality, zip code, area code, crossstreets, or by any other reasonable entry to determine a geographicalarea; Global Positions Systems (GPS); GPS accessed using Bluetooth™; GPSaccessed using any reasonable form of wireless and/or non-wirelesscommunication; WiFi™ server location data; Bluetooth™ based locationdata; triangulation such as, but not limited to, network basedtriangulation, WiFi™ server information based triangulation, Bluetooth™server information based triangulation; Cell Identification basedtriangulation, Enhanced Cell Identification based triangulation,Uplink-Time difference of arrival (U-TDOA) based triangulation, Time ofarrival (TOA) based triangulation, Angle of arrival (AOA) basedtriangulation; techniques and systems using a geographic coordinatesystem such as, but not limited to, longitudinal and latitudinal based,geodesic height based, cartesian coordinates based; Radio FrequencyIdentification such as, but not limited to, Long range RFID, Short rangeRFID; using any form of RFID tag such as, but not limited to active RFIDtags, passive RFID tags, battery assisted passive RFID tags; or anyother reasonable way to determine location. For ease, at times the abovevariations are not listed or are only partially listed, this is in noway meant to be a limitation.

In some embodiments, near-field wireless communication (NFC) canrepresent a short-range wireless communications technology in whichNFC-enabled devices are “swiped,” “bumped,” “tap” or otherwise moved inclose proximity to communicate. In some embodiments, NFC could include aset of short-range wireless technologies, typically requiring a distanceof 10 cm or less.

In some embodiments, NFC may operate at 13.56 MHz on ISO/IEC 18000-3 airinterface and at rates ranging from 106 kbit/s to 424 kbit/s. In someembodiments, NFC can involve an initiator and a target; the initiatoractively generates an RF field that can power a passive target. In someembodiment, this can enable NFC targets to take very simple form factorssuch as tags, stickers, key fobs, or cards that do not requirebatteries. In some embodiments, NFC peer-to-peer communication can beconducted when a plurality of NFC-enable devices within close proximityof each other.

For purposes of the instant description, the terms “cloud,” “Internetcloud,” “cloud computing,” “cloud architecture,” and similar termscorrespond to at least one of the following utilized by the exemplaryinventive computer-programmed systems and the exemplary inventivecomputer-processing methods of the present invention: (1) a large numberof computers connected through a real-time communication network (e.g.,Internet); (2) providing the ability to run a program or application onmany connected computers (e.g., physical machines, virtual machines(VMs)) at the same time; (3) network-based services, which appear to beprovided by real server hardware, and are in fact served up by virtualhardware (e.g., virtual servers), simulated by software running on oneor more real machines (e.g., allowing to be moved around and scaled up(or down) on the fly without affecting the end user). In someembodiments, the inventive computer flexible lease basis systemoffers/manages the cloud computing/architecture as, but not limiting to:infrastructure a service (IaaS), platform as a service (PaaS), andsoftware as a service (SaaS). FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate schematics ofexemplary implementations of the cloud computing/architecture.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides for a computersystem which includes at least the following components: a plurality ofcomputing devices associated with a plurality of users associated with aplurality of users; where the plurality of users is at least one hundredconcurrent users; where each computing device of the plurality ofcomputing devices is configured to: electronically receive softwarewhich, when being executed, cause such computing device to display aplurality of instances of a specifically programmed graphical userinterface (GUI); where each instance of the GUI is configured to displaya real-time updatable meeting information representative of a directelectronic proximity-based communication between at least two computingdevices associated with at least two users who desire to meet at aparticular location to engage in a transaction of at least one good, atleast one service, or both, whose marketable value lasts for a period of30 seconds to 60 minutes; where the meeting information includes: 1) afirst data representative of the particular location; 2) a second datarepresentative of at least one unique user authentication identifier,which has been assigned to: i) a particular computing device of the atleast two computing devices or ii) the at least two computing devices;and 3) a third data representative of a real-time adjustable visualindicator, allowing the least two users to visually identify each othercomputing devices, where the real-time adjustable visual indicator hasbeen uniquely assigned based, at least in part, on at least one othervisual indicator being assigned to at least one other computing deviceto be located in a visual vicinity of the particular location at whichthe at least two users to meet; where each computing device of the atleast two computing devices of the at least two users is furtherconfigured to: electronically receive an indication that the at leasttwo users who desire to meet to engage in the transaction of the atleast one good, the at least one service, or both, whose marketablevalue lasts for the period of 30 seconds to 60 minutes; electronicallyestablish the direct electronic proximity-based communication betweenthe at least two computing devices; dynamically determine, in real time,the first data, the second data, and the third data of the meetinginformation; and dynamically control, based on the meeting information,a visual appearance of the GUI to facilitate the at least two users tomeet at the particular location.

In some embodiments, the meeting information includes a fourth datarepresentative of a real-time sharable drawing pad which is shared amongthe at least two computing devices associated with the at least twousers. In some embodiments, the meeting information includes a fifthdata representative of an amount of desired compensation for the atleast one good, the at least one service, or both; and where eachcomputing device of the at least two computing devices of the at leasttwo users is further configured to dynamically adjust, in real time, thefifth data based on a time which takes for the at least two users tomeet.

In some embodiments, the meeting information is configured to maintainan anonymity of the at least two users from each other. In someembodiments, the real-time adjustable visual indicator is one of: color,text, image, and or any combination thereof.

In some embodiments, a first computing device of the at least twocomputing devices of the at least two users is further configured todisplay a first real-time adjustable visual indicator including at leastone first color; where a second computing device of the at least twocomputing devices of the at least two users is further configured todisplay a second real-time adjustable visual indicator including atleast one second color; and where the at least one first color isdistinct from the at least one second color.

In some embodiments, the second computing device of the at least twocomputing devices of the at least two users is further configured todynamically determine the at least one second color based on a randomnumber based algorithm.

In some embodiments, each real-time adjustable visual indicator isdisplayed over a half of a screen of each computing device of the atleast two computing devices of the at least two users.

In some embodiments, each real-time adjustable visual indicator isdisplayed after the at least two computing devices have established thedirect electronic proximity-based communication. In some embodiments,each real-time adjustable visual indicator is displayed by undimming arespective screen of a respective computing device.

In some embodiments, the direct electronic proximity-based communicationincludes a transmission of the at least one unique user authenticationidentifier. In some embodiments, the direct electronic proximity-basedcommunication includes at least one of: direct Bluetooth transmissionsand direct transmissions at an inaudible audio frequency.

In some embodiments, the first data includes a textual direction, avisual direction, or both, from the current location of the particularuser to the particular location at which the at least two users to meet.In some embodiments, the first data includes a distance from a currentlocation of a particular user to the particular location at which the atleast two users to meet.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides for acomputer-implemented method which includes at least the following stepsof: electronically receiving, by each computing device of a plurality ofcomputing devices associated with a plurality of users, software which,when being executed, cause such computing device to display a pluralityof instances of a specifically programmed graphical user interface(GUI); where the plurality of users is at least one hundred concurrentusers; where each instance of the GUI is configured to display areal-time updatable meeting information representative of a directelectronic proximity-based communication between at least two computingdevices associated with at least two users who desire to meet at aparticular location to engage in a transaction of at least one good, atleast one service, or both, whose marketable value lasts for a period of30 seconds to 60 minutes; where the meeting information includes: 1) afirst data representative of the particular location; 2) a second datarepresentative of at least one unique user authentication identifier,which has been assigned to: i) a particular computing device of the atleast two computing devices or ii) the at least two computing devices;and 3) a third data representative of a real-time adjustable visualindicator, allowing the least two users to visually identify each othercomputing devices, where the real-time adjustable visual indicator hasbeen uniquely assigned based, at least in part, on at least one othervisual indicator being assigned to at least one other computing deviceto be located in a visual vicinity of the particular location at whichthe at least two users to meet; electronically receiving, by each of theat least two computing devices of the at least two users, an indicationthat the at least two users who desire to meet to engage in thetransaction of the at least one good, the at least one service, or both,whose marketable value lasts for the period of 30 seconds to 60 minutes;electronically establishing, by each of the at least two computingdevices of the at least two users, the direct electronic proximity-basedcommunication between the at least two computing devices; dynamicallydetermining, in real time, by each of the at least two computing devicesof the at least two users, the first data, the second data, and thethird data of the meeting information; and dynamically controlling, byeach of the at least two computing devices of the at least two users,based on the meeting information, a visual appearance of the GUI tofacilitate the at least two users to meet at the particular location.

Of note, the embodiments described herein may, of course, be implementedusing any appropriate hardware and/or computing software languages. Inthis regard, those of ordinary skill in the art are well versed in thetype of computer hardware that may be used (e.g., a mainframe, amini-computer, a personal computer (“PC”), a network (e.g., an intranetand/or the internet)), the type of computer programming techniques thatmay be used (e.g., object oriented programming), and the type ofcomputer programming languages that may be used (e.g., C++, Basic, AJAX,Javascript). The aforementioned examples are, of course, illustrativeand not restrictive.

While a number of embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed, it is understood that these embodiments are illustrativeonly, and not restrictive, and that many modifications may becomeapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Further still, thevarious steps may be carried out in any desired order (and any desiredsteps may be added and/or any desired steps may be eliminated).

1.-20. (canceled)
 21. A computer-implemented method, comprising:electronically receiving, by each computing device of a plurality ofcomputing devices associated with a plurality of users, software which,when being executed, cause such computing device to display a pluralityof instances of a specifically programmed graphical user interface(GUI); wherein the plurality of users is at least one hundred concurrentusers; wherein each instance of the GUI is configured to display areal-time updatable meeting information associated with at least twousers who desire to meet at a particular location; wherein the meetinginformation comprises: 1) a first data representative of the particularlocation and 2) a second data representative of at least one unique userauthentication identifier, which has been assigned to: i) a particularcomputing device of the at least two computing devices or ii) the atleast two computing devices; electronically receiving, by each of the atleast two computing devices of the at least two users, an indicationthat the at least two users desire to meet; and electronicallyestablishing, by each of the at least two computing devices of the atleast two users, a direct electronic proximity-based communicationbetween the at least two computing devices.
 22. A system, comprising: aplurality of computing devices associated with a plurality of userswherein each computing device of the plurality of computing devices isconfigured to electronically receive software which, when beingexecuted, cause such computing device to display a plurality ofinstances of a specifically programmed graphical user interface (GUI);wherein the plurality of users is at least one hundred concurrent users;wherein each instance of the GUI is configured to display a real-timeupdatable meeting information associated with at least two users whodesire to meet at a particular location; wherein the meeting informationcomprises: 1) a first data representative of the particular location and2) a second data representative of at least one unique userauthentication identifier, which has been assigned to: i) a particularcomputing device of the at least two computing devices or ii) the atleast two computing devices; wherein each computing device of theplurality of computing devices is configured to electronically receivean indication that the at least two users desire to meet; and whereineach computing device of at least two computing devices, associated withthe at least two users who desire to meet, is configured toelectronically establish a direct electronic proximity-basedcommunication between the at least two computing devices.